There is a new kid on the fashion block and the idea started right here in Belfast.

Taggled, an interactive video tagging company, is helping fashion retailers transform their online videos to make it easier for shoppers to click and buy something they like the look of on screen.

Founder Ian Scott will be telling his story this Friday from 7.30pm in Hedonist hair salon on Botanic Avenue in Belfast at the launch of the NI Tech Meet Up.

It is a series of informal events hosted by the NI Science Park, which will help innovative tech companies with an idea in fashion, beauty, interiors or music get access to its free resources.

In preparation for the event, Taggled chatted to Belfast Live to give a sneak peek into the world of video tagging.

So what exactly is video tagging?

Video tagging is all about making video interactive. By signing up to Taggled.tv a person can transform their videos into interactive, shoppable entities. These tags can be product tags, social media tags, music tags and location tags. When a viewer clicks on a tag they can find out where to buy the product they have just seen in the video.

Why is this the next big idea for the fashion industry?

We haven’t met with anyone who doesn’t love the idea of shoppable video and it’s a dream to be able to click on a video and find out where a necklace, dress or shoes can be purchased. We make the process quick and easy to use and as fashion retailers continue to embrace online video they need to show return on investment and with our help they will get it.

Have many fashion retailers adopted it?

Many of Taggled’s account holders are from the fashion industry – from video bloggers to online retailers to digital marketing agencies. The chance to make video content shoppable and drive sales direct from video is retail gold. Most recently Taggled partnered with leading fashion search engine ShopStyle to offer a shoppable video solution to their extensive blogger community. With online video users expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2016, the fashion industry is embracing online video like never before.

What are the benefits to a retailer?

By using a shoppable video solution retailers will not only be driving online sales direct from video, but they will be increasing consumer engagement and viewers to their site. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a product and falling in love with it but not knowing how to get your hands on it – now retailers can grab viewers from the start and turn them into customers.

What are the challenges and what can be done to overcome them?

Just a few years ago the concept of shoppable video was in its infancy, but now more and more people are growing familiar with the idea and taking video commerce seriously.

What are your growth plans this year?

We work with global brands and although we may be a small team based in the Titanic Quarter, we’re making huge waves worldwide and we plan to keep advancing at a faster pace and see our partnerships grow.

The launch of NI Tech Meet up takes place this Friday from 7.30pm in Hedonist hair salon on Botanic Avenue, South Belfast.Complimentary hospitality and entertainment will also be provided on the night.